Clonal dynamics in a composite chronic lymphocytic leukemia and hairy cell leukemia-variant.

Composite lymphoma is the rare simultaneous manifestation of two distinct lymphomas. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has a propensity for occurring in composite lymphomas, a phenomenon that remains to be elucidated. We applied cytogenetics, droplet digital polymerase chain reaction, and massively parallel sequencing to analyze longitudinally a patient with CLL, who 3 years later showed transformation to a hairy cell leukemia-variant (HCL-V). Outgrowth of the IGHV4-34-positive HCL-V clone at the expense of the initially dominant CLL clone with trisomy 12 and MED12 mutation started before CLL-guided treatment and was accompanied by a TP53 mutation, which was already detectable at diagnosis of CLL. Furthermore, deep sequencing of IGH showed a composite lymphoma with presence of both disease components at all analyzed timepoints (down to a minor clone: major clone ratio of ~1:1000). Overall, our analyses showed a disease course that resembled clonal dynamics reported for malignancies with intratumoral heterogeneity and illustrate the utility of deep sequencing of IGH to detect distinct clonal populations at diagnosis, monitor clonal response to therapy, and possibly improve clinical outcomes.

Five-year survival follow-up of a phase III randomised trial comparing ofatumumab versus physicians' choice for bulky fludarabine-refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: a short report.

In 2014, an interim analysis of a phase 3 study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of ofatumumab in patients with bulky fludarabine-refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (BFR CLL) as compared to physician's choice. The five-year follow-up of this phase 3 trial showed that ofatumumab therapy resulted in a numerically but not significantly longer overall survival. As only few patients had the chance to receive a kinase inhibitor later, the study displays the survival of BFR CLL patients in the period prior to receiving small-molecule inhibitors. Ofatumumab is a well-tolerable treatment option in multiresistant advanced CLL.

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography with compressed sensing at 1.5 T: clinical application for the evaluation of branch duct IPMN of the pancreas.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) with compressed sensing (CS) for the assessment of branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (BD-IPMN) of the pancreas. For this purpose, conventional navigator-triggered (NT) sampling perfection with application-optimized contrast using different flip angle evolutions (SPACE) MRCP was compared with various CS-SPACE-MRCP sequences in a clinical setting. METHODS: A total of 41 patients (14 male, 27 female, mean age 68 years) underwent 1.5-T MRCP for the evaluation of BD-IPMN. The MRCP protocol consisted of the following sequences: conventional NT-SPACE-MRCP, CS-SPACE-MRCP with long (BHL, 17 s) and short single breath-hold (BHS, 8 s), and NT-CS-SPACE-MRCP. Two board-certified radiologists evaluated image quality, duct sharpness, duct visualization, lesion conspicuity, confidence, and communication with the main pancreatic duct in consensus using a 5-point scale (1-5), with higher scores indicating better quality/delineation/confidence. Maximum intensity projection reconstructions and originally acquired data were used for evaluation. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the intra-individual difference between sequences. RESULTS: BHS-CS-SPACE-MRCP had the highest scores for image quality (3.85 ± 0.79), duct sharpness (3.81 ± 1.05), and duct visualization (3.81 ± 1.01). There was a significant difference compared with NT-CS-SPACE-MRCP (p < 0.05) but no significant difference to the standard NT-SPACE-MRCP (p > 0.05). Concerning diagnostic quality, BHS-CS-SPACE-MRCP had the highest scores in lesion conspicuity (3.95 ± 0.92), confidence (4.12 ± 1.08), and communication (3.8 ± 1.06), significantly higher compared with NT-SPACE-MRCP, BHL-SPACE-MRCP, and NT-CS-SPACE-MRCP (p = <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: MRCP with CS 3D SPACE for the evaluation of BD-IPMN at 1.5 T provides the best results using a short breath-hold sequence. This approach is feasible and an excellent alternative to standard NT 3D MRCP sequences. KEY POINTS: • 1.5-T MRCP with compressed sensing for the evaluation of branch duct IPMN is a feasible method. • Short breath-hold sequences provide the best results for this purpose.

The prognostic value of additional copies of 1q21 in multiple myeloma depends on the primary genetic event.

Hyperdiploidy (HRD) and specific immunoglobulin heavy locus (IGH) translocations are primary chromosomal abnormalities (CA) in multiple myeloma (MM). In this retrospective study of 794 MM patients we aimed to investigate clinical features and common CA including gain(1q) in separate subgroups defined by primary CA. In the entire group, we confirmed that gain(1q) was associated with short time to next treatment and adverse overall survival (OS). The impact was worse for four or more copies of 1q21 as compared to three copies. However, in a subgroup of patients with clonal gain(11q) and without known primary IGH translocations (CG11q), already three copies of 1q21 were associated with a poor outcome; in the absence of gain(1q), patients in this subgroup had a remarkably long median OS of more than nine years. These cases were associated with HRD, coexpression of CD56 and CD117, male gender, and IgG subtype. In non-CG11q patients, four or more copies of 1q21 (but not three copies) had a significant adverse impact on outcome. Several associations with CA and clinical findings were observed for the defined subgroups. As an example, we found a predominance of early tetraploidy, plasma cell leukemia, and female gender in the t(14;16) subgroup. Our results underscore the importance of subgrouping in MM.

Olaptesed pegol (NOX-A12) with bendamustine and rituximab: a phase IIa study in patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Olaptesed pegol (NOX-A12) is a pegylated structured L-oligoribonucleotide that binds and neutralizes CXCL12, a chemokine tightly regulating the life cycle of chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells. The resulting inhibition of CXCR4 and CXCR7 signaling reduces the protective activity of the bone marrow and lymph node microenvironment. CXCL12 inhibition mobilizes chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells into the circulation and prevents their homing into the protective niches. In this phase I/II study, 28 patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia were treated with olaptesed pegol in combination with bendamustine and rituximab. Combination treatment was preceded by single escalating pilot doses of olaptesed pegol in the first ten patients for evaluation of safety and pharmacokinetics. Peak concentrations and systemic exposure of olaptesed pegol were dose-linear; plasma elimination was monophasic with a 53.2 h half-life. A rapid increase in circulating chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells was observed already 1 h after administration of olaptesed pegol and lasted for at least 72 h. Single-agent treatment was well tolerated and no dose-limiting toxicity was observed. The combination regimen yielded an overall response rate of 86%, with 11% of patients achieving a complete response and 75% a partial response. Notably, all ten high-risk patients, including four with a 17p deletion, responded to treatment. The median progression-free survival was 15.4 (95% confidence interval: 12.2, 26.2) months while the median overall survival was not reached with >80% of patients alive after a median follow-up of 28 months. Olaptesed pegol was well tolerated and did not result in additional toxicity when combined with bendamustine and rituximab (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01486797). Further clinical development of this novel CXCL12 inhibitor is thus warranted.

Complementing clinical cancer registry data with patient reported outcomes: A feasibility study on routine electronic patient-reported outcome assessment for the Austrian Myelome Registry.

OBJECTIVES: Routinely assessed patient-reported outcomes (PROs), such as quality of life (QOL), are important to supplement clinical cancer data but requires rigorous implementation. This study aims at depicting the implementation procedure and evaluating the feasibility of routine electronic PRO monitoring (ePRO) for collecting data supplementing the Austrian Myeloma Registry (AMR). METHODS: Integration of ePRO monitoring into clinical routine was planned according to the Replicating Effective Programs framework. QOL data were assessed regularly during treatment and aftercare at the hematooncological outpatient unit at the Medical University of Innsbruck with the EORTC QLQ-C30/ +MY20 and the EQ-5D-5L. Feasibility and usability testing were performed via a multimethod approach. RESULTS: Within the first year, 94.4% of the MM patients (N = 142, mean age 65.4, SD 11.8, 60% male) provided 748 PRO assessment time points overall. Patients and clinicians were satisfied with ePRO monitoring and indicated no to little disruption in clinical routine. Patient preference on assessment time points and completion frequency became evident. CONCLUSIONS: Complementing the AMR with ePRO data proved to be feasible. Our findings provide useful insights for healthcare providers considering introducing ePRO monitoring to their units for informing clinical registries as well as individualised feedback to patients alike.

BRAF inhibition in hairy cell leukemia with low-dose vemurafenib.

The activating mutation of the BRAF serine/threonine protein kinase (BRAF V600E) is the key driver mutation in hairy cell leukemia (HCL), suggesting opportunities for therapeutic targeting. We analyzed the course of 21 HCL patients treated with vemurafenib outside of trials with individual dosing regimens (240-1920 mg/d; median treatment duration, 90 days). Vemurafenib treatment improved blood counts in all patients, with platelets, neutrophils, and hemoglobin recovering within 28, 43, and 55 days (median), respectively. Complete remission was achieved in 40% (6/15 of evaluable patients) and median event-free survival was 17 months. Response rate and kinetics of response were independent of vemurafenib dosing. Retreatment with vemurafenib led to similar response patterns (n = 6). Pharmacodynamic analysis of BRAF V600E downstream targets showed that vemurafenib (480 mg/d) completely abrogated extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation of hairy cells in vivo. Typical side effects also occurred at low dosing regimens. We observed the development of acute myeloid lymphoma (AML) subtype M6 in 1 patient, and the course suggested disease acceleration triggered by vemurafenib. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase hotspot mutation (E545K) was identified in the AML clone, providing a potential novel mechanism for paradoxical BRAF activation. These data provide proof of dependence of HCL on active BRAF signaling. We provide evidence that antitumor and side effects are observed with 480 mg vemurafenib, suggesting that dosing regimens in BRAF-driven cancers could warrant reassessment in trials with implications for cost of cancer care.

Fludarabine and rituximab with escalating doses of lenalidomide followed by lenalidomide/rituximab maintenance in previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL): the REVLIRIT CLL-5 AGMT phase I/II study.

Despite recent advances, chemoimmunotherapy remains a standard for fit previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients. Lenalidomide had activity in early monotherapy trials, but tumour lysis and flare proved major obstacles in its development. We combined lenalidomide in increasing doses with six cycles of fludarabine and rituximab (FR), followed by lenalidomide/rituximab maintenance. In 45 chemo-naive patients, included in this trial, individual tolerability of the combination was highly divergent and no systematic toxicity determining a maximum tolerated dose was found. Grade 3/4 neutropenia (71%) was high, but only 7% experienced grade 3 infections. No tumour lysis or flare > grade 2 was observed, but skin toxicity proved dose-limiting in nine patients (20%). Overall and complete response rates after induction were 89 and 44% by intention-to-treat, respectively. At a median follow-up of 78.7 months, median progression-free survival (PFS) was 60.3 months. Minimal residual disease and immunoglobulin variable region heavy chain mutation state predicted PFS and TP53 mutation most strongly predicted OS. Baseline clinical factors did not predict tolerance to the immunomodulatory drug lenalidomide, but pretreatment immunophenotypes of T cells showed exhausted memory CD4 cells to predict early dose-limiting non-haematologic events. Overall, combining lenalidomide with FR was feasible and effective, but individual changes in the immune system seemed associated with limiting side effects. clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00738829) and EU Clinical Trials Register ( www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu , 2008-001430-27).

Correction to: Fludarabine and rituximab with escalating doses of lenalidomide followed by lenalidomide/rituximab maintenance in previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL): the REVLIRIT CLL-5 AGMT phase I/II study.

The original version of this article contained a mistake. The name of Tanja Nicole Hartman should have been Tanja Nicole Hartmann. The original article has been corrected.

Impact of white blood cells on thrombotic risk in patients with optimized platelet count in essential thrombocythemia.

OBJECTIVES: Risk of thrombosis is significantly enhanced by both elevated platelet (PLT) and white blood cell (WBC) counts according to a retrospective analysis of a large anagrelide registry in thrombocythemic MPN patients. We were interested in the impact of elevated WBC counts on thrombosis risk in patients where PLT counts were reduced below the calculated cutoff of 574.5 G/L by treatment with anagrelide. METHODS: Cox regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier plot were applied on all patients in the registry with optimized PLT counts. RESULTS: Using the calculated cutoff of 9.66 G/L for WBC, Cox regression analysis revealed a clear influence of elevated WBC counts on the occurrence of a major thrombotic event (P = .012). A Kaplan-Meier plot revealed a markedly shorter time to a major thrombotic event for patients with WBC counts above the cutoff (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that additional correction of elevated WBC counts is mandatory in patients with optimally managed PLT counts to reduce thrombotic risk. This study is the first investigation in a prospectively observed large patient cohort which was treated homogenously allowing for evaluation of single parameters for an effect on thrombophilia.

Safety and efficacy of romiplostim in splenectomized and nonsplenectomized patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia.

Primary immune thrombocytopenia is an autoimmune disorder characterized by increased platelet destruction and insufficient platelet production without another identified underlying disorder. Splenectomy may alter responsiveness to treatment and/or increase the risk of thrombosis, infection, and pulmonary hypertension. The analysis herein evaluated the safety and efficacy of the thrombopoietin receptor agonist romiplostim in splenectomized and nonsplenectomized adults with primary immune thrombocytopenia. Data were pooled across 13 completed clinical studies in adults with immune thrombocytopenia from 2002-2014. Adverse event rates were adjusted for time of exposure. Results were considered different when 95% confidence intervals were non-overlapping. Safety was analyzed for 1111 patients (395 splenectomized; 716 nonsplenectomized) who received romiplostim or control (placebo or standard of care). At baseline, splenectomized patients had a longer median duration of immune thrombocytopenia and a lower median platelet count, as well as a higher proportion with >3 prior immune thrombocytopenia treatments versus nonsplenectomized patients. In each treatment group, splenectomized patients used rescue medications more often than nonsplenectomized patients. Platelet response rates (≥50×109/L) for romiplostim were 82% (310/376) for splenectomized and 91% (592/648) for nonsplenectomized patients (P<0.001 by Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test). Platelet responses were stable over time in both subgroups. Exposure-adjusted adverse event rates were higher for control versus romiplostim for both splenectomized (1857 versus 1226 per 100 patient-years) and nonsplenectomized patients (1052 versus 852 per 100 patient-years). In conclusion, responses to romiplostim were seen in both splenectomized and nonsplenectomized patients, and romiplostim was not associated with an increase in the risk of adverse events in splenectomized patients. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: 00111475(A)(B), 00117143, 00305435, 01143038, 00102323, 00102336, 00415532, 00603642, 00508820, 00907478, 00116688, and 00440037.

A large observational study of patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia receiving romiplostim in European clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE: Romiplostim has maintained long-term platelet counts in patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) for up to 5 yr in clinical studies. This prospective observational study aimed to describe romiplostim utilisation and outcomes in European clinical practice. METHODS: Adults with primary ITP who received romiplostim in routine care were eligible. RESULTS: Three-hundred and forty patients were eligible for analysis, of whom 299 (88%) completed the 2-yr observation period. The median age was 62 yr, with 43% of patients aged ≥65 yr, and two-thirds of patients initiated romiplostim before splenectomy. The median average weekly dose of romiplostim was 2.8 µg/kg. The median baseline platelet count was 20 × 109 /L, which increased after 2 wk of romiplostim treatment and remained >50 × 109 /L thereafter. After romiplostim initiation, there was a decrease in rates of grade ≥3 bleeding events (from 12 to 2 per 100 patient-years) and ITP-related hospitalisations (from 87 to 33 per 100 patient-years). The rate of thrombotic events was 2 per 100 patient-years, and bone marrow fibrosis occurred in two patients. CONCLUSIONS: Romiplostim dosing, effectiveness and safety in an unselected real-world ITP population seemed comparable with that observed in clinical studies.

Influence of platelet and white blood cell counts on major thrombosis - analysis from a patient registry in essential thrombocythemia.

OBJECTIVES: Although guidelines recommend normalization of platelet counts as an appropriate endpoint for treatment in high-risk essential thrombocythemia (ET), retrospective studies could not prove a correlation of diagnostic platelet counts with an increased thrombotic rate. There is, however, an increasing evidence that leukocytosis is an important risk factor for arterial thrombosis in myeloproliferative neoplasms. METHODS: This study considers the Austrian cohort of a European registry regarding the platelet-lowering therapeutic anagrelide. Influence of platelet and white blood cell (WBC) counts on thrombotic risk was assessed. RESULTS: Using the calculated cutoffs of 574.5 G/L for platelets and 8.48 G/L for WBC counts, respectively, the Cox regression analysis revealed a clear influence of elevated platelets (P = 0.008) and WBC counts (P = 0.011) on the occurrence of major thrombotic events. The time to a major thrombotic event was shortest (P < 0.001) and the frequency related to 100 patient-years was highest (P = <0.001) when both platelet and WBC counts ranged above the calculated cutoffs. CONCLUSION: Our data add evidence to the impact of platelet and WBC counts on thrombosis in ET. We suspect a particular interaction between platelets and WBC which might be based on a biological interplay depending on particular cell counts.

Chronic mast cell leukemia (MCL) with KIT S476I: a rare entity defined by leukemic expansion of mature mast cells and absence of organ damage.

Mast cell leukemia (MCL) is a rare, life-threatening malignancy defined by a substantial increase in neoplastic mast cells (MCs) in bone marrow (BM) smears, drug-resistance, and a poor prognosis. In most patients, the survival time is less than 1 year. However, exceptional cases may present with a less malignant course. We report on a 49-year-old female patient with MCL diagnosed in 2013. In February 2013, first symptoms, including flushing, headache, and diarrhea, were recorded. In addition, mild anemia was detected. The disease was characterized by a massive increase in well-granulated, mature, and often spindle-shaped MCs (80 %) in BM smears. The serum tryptase level amounted to 332 ng/mL. Like in most other MCL patients, no skin lesions were detected. However, unlike in other patients, tryptase levels remained stable, and no other signs or symptoms of MCL-induced organ damage were found. Sequencing studies revealed an isolated S476I point mutation in KIT but no mutation in codon 816. The patient received histamine receptor blockers but refused cytoreductive therapy. After 9 months, still no progression or organ damage was detected. However, progression with transformation to acute MCL occurred after 12 months. We propose that the chronic type of MCL with stable conditions, absence of organ damage, and a mature MC morphology is recognized as a distinct entity that should be distinguished from the acute variant of MCL.

Romiplostim Treatment in Adults with Immune Thrombocytopenia of Varying Duration and Severity.

Romiplostim is recommended for the second- and third-line treatment of primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). We conducted a large, single-arm study (clinicaltrials.gov; NCT00508820) with broad entry criteria to evaluate the safety of romiplostim in adult ITP. Patients (n = 407) with ITP lasting 0.03-57.14 years and low platelet counts (median 14.0 × 10 9 /l) or uncontrolled bleeding received romiplostim for up to 4 years. The rates of treatment-related, serious adverse events, serious hemorrhage events, thromboembolic events and fatal events were similar to those reported in previous romiplostim trials (0.2, 0.4, 0.2 and 0.1/100 patient-weeks, respectively). Bone marrow reticulin was observed in 4 patients, but biopsies were not routinely performed so the true incidence of this event cannot be determined. Type I collagen (nonserious, unrelated) was reported in 1 patient who likely had myelodysplastic syndrome. No new class of adverse events was reported. Platelet responses were achieved by >90% of the patients, typically within 1-2 weeks of the initiation of romiplostim treatment. From week 8, median platelet counts were >100 × 10 9 /l; 47% of the patients received rescue medications (the use decreased over time). This study confirms and extends the tolerability/efficacy findings of previous romiplostim clinical studies. It was performed on a large ITP population, which is likely more representative of clinical practice.

Polyarteritis nodosa complicating multiple myeloma - a case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a necrotizing vasculitis of small to-medium-sized vessels, rarely associated with hematologic neoplasms. CASE REPORT: We report a 44-year-old man with a history of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) who presented with rapidly progressing sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy. Two weeks after onset the patient developed severe acute acral and retinal ischemia. MR-angiography and nerve biopsy revealed a systemic necrotizing vasculitis (PAN type). At this time, bone marrow biopsy identified a smoldering multiple myeloma. Immediate immunosuppressive and anti-neoplastic treatment (steroids, immunoglobulins, bortezomib combined with cyclophosphamide followed by lenalidomide maintenance) resulted in a favorable clinical outcome. After 4 years, the patient is in good clinical condition with sustained partial remission from myeloma and without evidence of relapse of PAN. CONCLUSION: This is a remarkable case of a histologically confirmed peripheral neuropathy due to polyarteritis nodosa associated with progression of MGUS to multiple myeloma. Immediate diagnosis and combined immunosuppressive and anti-neoplastic treatment may improve the outcome of this potentially life-threatening clinical condition.

Patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 rs738409-G in recipients of liver transplants is a risk factor for graft steatosis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The G-allele in position rs738409 of patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3) is associated with an increased hepatic concentration of triglyceride and is a risk factor for advanced liver disease. We investigated the association of donor and recipient risk alleles with the development of graft steatosis after liver transplantation. METHODS: PNPLA3 genotypes were determined in 237 transplant recipients and in 255 organ donors. Macrovesicular steatosis was assessed by unenhanced computed tomography 5 years after liver transplantation in 95 patients and correlated with donor and recipient PNPLA3 genotype. RESULTS: The risk allele was significantly more frequent in transplant recipients than in donors (42% vs 28%; P < .001). A prevalence of graft steatosis of 30% or greater significantly increased from 11.6% at 1 year after liver transplantation to 32.6% at 5 years after transplantation. Five years after liver transplantation, steatosis was present in 63.2% of patients homozygous for the rs738409-G allele, in 31.4% of heterozygous recipients, and in 12.0% of rs738409-CC recipients (P = .002). Donor genotypes were not associated with the development of graft steatosis. In multivariate regression analysis, recipients who carried rs738409-GG had a 13.7-fold higher risk of graft steatosis than recipients who carried rs738409-CC (P = .022), independent of recipient age, weight gain after liver transplantation, or the underlying disease. CONCLUSIONS: Liver transplant recipients who carry rs738409-G in PNPLA3 are at increased risk for hepatic triglyceride accumulation, independent of the graft PNPLA3 genotype.